They are ordered to pay a fee of up to £1,500 within a matter of hours. The tricksters have demanded the money be either transferred to a bank account of their choosing or that an equivalent value of iTunes vouchers is purchased and then transferred.

Police have launched an investigation to trace those behind the telephone scam.

Detective Sergeant Ian Press, from Staffordshire Police, urged people to be on their guard. He said: “We would like to remind you that no government agency, like HMRC, would ring demanding money over the phone.

“If you do receive a call like this, please contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

“Alternatively, if you are feeling under threat or unsafe, please call 101 or 999 in an emergency.”